If it makes you feel better, the door on Kiwi's kennel doesn't latch. It's his safety zone, he usually hangs out there when he's in trouble...garbage can or if he rushes the door.
He's an Australian Shephard, and even tho he thinks he is, he's hardly a lap dog! Well, if I sit or sleep on the floor, then he's my lap dog. Let's put it this way, he THINKS he's a lap dog...so he knows DOWN and OFF really good! He also sits on my feet if anyone raises their voice to me, and if he percieves a stranger, he stays between me and the stranger. AND..he puts up with my crazy! He's a good boy. He lives for treats.
I'm sure you two will get along fine.
Another elopement? Is that a word?